All-Star Game is Showcase for Talent

The All-Star Game is something for the whole family. The fun and excitement of seeing the best players in the league square-off in a one-game showdown is awesome!

Well, the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic is coming to Reading, PA. Yes, that’s right, Baseballtown USA, home of the Reading Phillies since 1967, will host the Mid-Summer Classic during the upcoming 2012 season.

“The 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic will be a great way to showcase America’s Classic Ballpark, Baseballtown, and the entire Greater Reading Region,” said R-Phils GM Scott Hunsicker.

The All-Star Game, which pits the Eastern League Eastern Division All-Stars against the Eastern League Western Division All-Stars, takes place on Wednesday, July 11 at FirstEnergy Stadium. While the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic will be the main attraction, there will be many other great events in Reading during this remarkable two-day affair.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

HR Derby & Autograph Party
@ FirstEnergy Stadium to benefit United Way of Berks County
4 p.m. – VIST Financial Plaza gates open
4 p.m.– 5 p.m. – Happy Hour
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Batting Practice
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Autograph Party
6:45 p.m. – Introductions
7:00 p.m. – Home Run Derby

Baseballtown All-Star Classic Gala
@ Building 24
9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – Food & Open Bar (No Autographs)

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Baseballtown All-Star Classic Luncheon
@ Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel to benefit Baseballtown Charities
11:00 a.m. – Doors Open
12:00 p.m. - Lunch

2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic Game
@ FirstEnergy Stadium
4:00 p.m. – VIST Financial Plaza opens
5:00 p.m. – Seating Bowl opens
7:05 p.m. – First Pitch

Over the years, the game has featured some great Major League players.

Current Phillies such as Ryan Howard, Cliff Lee, Placido Polanco, Ryan Madson, Michael Martinez, and Vance Worley all were All-Stars. Current members of the Phillies 40-man roster, who have also taken part in this game include: John Bowker, Freddy Galvis, Brandon Moss, Joe Savery, and Michael Schwimer.

How about some of the best players of the past two decades? Well, they played in this game too!

Sluggers, and potential Hall-of-Famers like Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Jeff Bagwell, Todd Helton, Paul Konerko, Vladimir Guerrero, Nomar Garciaparra, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Delgado, Omar Vizquel, and Derek Lee were Double-A All-Stars.

How about some of the most talented players in the game today?

Well, Jose Bautista, Michael Bourn, Carl Crawford, Victor Martinez, and Hanley Ramirez all competed against the best of the best Double-A All-Stars!

Even pitchers, such as C.C. Sabathia, Jon Papelbon, Mark Buehrle, Jose Valverde, and Erik Bedard made their mark during their time in Double-A.

This offseason, continue to check www.readingphillies.com for a profile on some of the players mentioned above, and some of the other great players who have played in this game over the years.

And, with that in mind, who will play in the 2012 edition in Baseballtown? History shows that there will be future Major League superstars in the game. Stay tuned!